Filling the Vacant Throne

[Hooligan]

An Act to Elect the King of Talossa

WHEREAS on 29 November 2006 King Louis I abdicated the throne by act of his legal guardian, and

WHEREAS there exists no rightful successor to the throne in the House of Rouergue, and

WHEREAS no other heir was named during the Regency of Louis I, and

WHEREAS Organic Law dictates that a new Sovereign shall be elected by the Ziu, such election to be ratified by the people, and

WHEREAS a tireless, selfless Talossan, with a love and passion for the nation, its physical territory, its peoples, and its institutions must be found to open the next chapter in Talossa by serving the nation as its sovereign, and

WHEREAS a Talossan who is committed to the principles of our constitutional monarchy, able to rule effectively and benignly, must be the choice of this body, and

WHEREAS a Talossan with a family line demonstrating interest and involvement with the nation, such that a new Royal House may be adjudged secure, is a strong consideration, and

WHEREAS a person imbued in the culture of our nation, skilled in our national language and the royal arts, must be the recommendation of the Ziu, and

WHEREAS the nation is fortunate to have amongst its citizens a man, Sir John Woolley, who has demonstrated all these qualities, and

WHEREAS Sir John Woolley has shown a zeal for recruiting new citizens equal to none, both by harrassing many of his friends and aquaintances into becoming Talossans, and also by personally funding advertisements that have attracted several new citizens, and

WHEREAS Sir John Woolley, in his exercise of the office of Secretary of State, has shown himself to be efficient, even-handed, courteous, and incorruptible, and

WHEREAS Sir John Woolley has demonstrated over and over that he, rather than desiring to control other citizens in their Talossan activities, is more interested in making Talossa a place where everyone can join together in building a great nation, and

WHEREAS Sir John Woolley has been one of the leaders of the trend to decentralize power in Talossa and get more and more people involved in the various layers and organs of government, and is therefore to be trusted not to try to grab a bunch of power for himself, and

WHEREAS Sir John Woolley realizes, and shows by his example that he realizes, that Talossa should before everything else be a whole ton of fun for everyone involved, and

WHEREAS by all his words and actions, Sir John Woolley has shown that he would make for our nation a fine and noble King, now

THEREFORE the Ziu hereby elects Sir John Woolley King of Talossa, and recommends the ratification of this choice to the citizenry.

Noi urent q'estadra så:

Lord Hooligan, Senator (Cézembre)
Ián da Bitoûr, MC (RUMP)
Olaf Brainerd, Senator (Maricopa)
Nicolâ Casálmac'h, MC (CLP)
Sevastáin Casálmac'h, MC (CLP)
Albrec'ht Cheléir, MC (RUMP)
Corrine De Winter, MC (CLP)
Polly Maria Holdorf, MC (CLP)
Brad Holmes, MC (CLP)
Bleic'h Spenséir Iánescu, MC (RUMP)
Conta Danihél Lauriéir, MC (DOTT)
Matáiwos Nanamavéu, MC (RUMP)
Timothy Danger Olivieri, MC (RUMP)
Mick Preston, MC (RUMP)
Nikü Spyropoulos, MC (RUMP)
Sir Samhuel Tecladéir, MC (CLP)
Viteu Toctviac'htéir, MC (RUMP)
Joseph Walkland, MC (CLP)
Joel Wood, MC (RUMP)

[Prince Patrick]

Because of my relationship to Sir John, the subject of this proposal, it would be inappropriate for me to lend it my support.
I would, therefore, like to take this opportunity to announce my intention to abstain in this matter.

[King John]

Friends —

When I first saw this Bill — and may I express my *astonishment* that none of you conspirators tipped me off this was happening? — I thought I’d just post something short like “Uh-oh” or “You have *got* to be kidding” or “You’ll get yours, Hooligan”, and let it go. A few hours further thought, though, makes me think the Nation deserves a better (or at least a longer) response.

Elections are inherently political, and they should be. On the other hand, and as I used to tell King Robert (to little effect), the King of Talossa should be scrupulously non-political, never favouring one party over another, never interfering with or even criticizing the elected Government (except in genuine emergencies), entirely “above the fray”. (Heck, I don’t think the King should even vote, except “present”.) It therefore amounts to a contradiction for a Talossan to campaign to be King — and I will not do so.

My principle, as a Talossan public servant, has always been this — that whoever is (or becomes) King or Queen of Talossa, I will serve the King or Queen (and the Talossan people) faithfully in whatever offices I'm called or elected or appointed to. I serve the Crown; I do not covet it, nor would I encourage my friends to covet it on my behalf. But if you, the Talossan people, think that I'm the right person for this wonderful office — well, who am I to contradict your judgement? If you elect me, I will follow that same principle, and will serve the Crown and the Nation faithfully and to the very best of my ability.

I’ve already been asked a few questions that should be answered.

1. OF COURSE, nobody will be rewarded or punished in any way, based on their vote on this Bill, and my feelings will NOT be hurt if you vote against this Bill. (Lord Hooligan’s might; mine won’t.) Please, all of you, be assured that a “contrâ” vote will NOT be interpreted or remembered as indicating any personal or political enmity.

2. Unless people object, I’ll go ahead as Secretary of State and administer the next Clark, even if this Bill is on it. But if this Bill passes, I will step down immediately as Secretary of State and let the new Secretary, whoever Sir Samuhél appoints, handle the ratification election.

3. Should I resign as Secretary of State, I’ll of course be perfectly willing to help the new Secretary with anything (EXCEPT the ratification election) where my help is wanted.

4. I have four sons, of whom only one, Patrick, is a Talossan. (Andrew is older than Patrick; James and Peter are younger.) My daughter Danielle, a Talossan, is not my own biological daughter; if I become King, I would expect the Ziu, in a new House Law, to determine whether the King's adopted children should be in the line of succession or not. I have no other descendants — yet.

I am humbled, and a bit amazed, at the fact that a number of you apparently want me to be King of Talossa. I really love Talossa, but I’ve been a Talossan for less than two years, and I would have expected that we'd choose a citizen of longer experience to be King. Still, if you elect me, I’ll do the job, I'll be happy to do it, and I’ll really try to do it well.

— John Woolley, UrN

[Joseph Walkland]

ALL HAIL KING WOOLLEY!

No, honestly, add my name to that list.

And a legal question: Is this a clark law, or is it to be treated like the vote for abdication where we all just vote?

[Lord Q]

OrgLaw Article 3, Section 10: "If on the death or abdication of the King there be no person entitled to succeed to the Throne, the Uppermost Cort shall be a Council of Regency pending the election of a new King, and the Ziu may, by a vote of two-thirds in each House, elect a King, who shall succeed to the Throne immediately upon ratification of his election by a majority of the people in a referendum to be held for that sole purpose."

Once the Ziu votes someone in the affirmative, that person will be put to a referendum.

[Danihel Laurieir]

Bah! Humbug!

[Bleic'h Ianescu]

In agreeing to sponsor the bill, I sent a short statement to S:reu Nanamavéu, the RUMP whip(that just sounds dirty):

So long as Sir John is willing to serve(which if called to by the people I'm sure he would), I will volunteer my name as sponsor of the bill. My first interaction with any citizen of the realm was with Sir John, and his help and kind guiding hand led me to where I am as a citizen today. I would be more than happy to see him on the throne.

Sir John's post in this thread confirms my suspicions. He has been a great servant to King and Country and will continue to be such. It is with no hesitation that I offer my support to this bill.

Bleic'h Iánescu
MC-Mussolini

[Capt. Sir Mick Preston]

I am impressed that the bill has equal support from MC's from both parties . Bi-partisain support like this cannot be bought - it is a sign of respect.

While I have only been a citizen of Talossa for a short time, I am impressed by the strong, positive feeinlings that Sir John envokes. Not only in our Kingdom, but also from citizens of the Republic.

[Deleted]

A Kingdom without a Monarch, these are always troubling times. While not yet a citizen, and, on top of this, new to Talossa, I must say that I am impressed with Sir John's courtesy and regal demeanor.

I will be pleased to serve in whatever capacity is necessary.

The first task of a leader is to keep hope alive.

Long Live, King John!

[Sir Samuhel Tecladeir]

The more I hear about this, the more concerned I am. I don't disagree about John's qualifications, but I'm disagreeing with the rush. This seems like the "hasty decision" that comes back to bite everyone in the rear (no offense intended, my RUMP compadres). It may be that this does go through, but down the road, we may run into problems because we didn't take the time to think it through all the way. I would not want to be the person that says "Yeah, John was a good choice, but I sure wish we hadn't rushed it."

Also, consider who is not supporting the bill - in particular Fritz and Dan. They've been with Talossa for a long time and don't necessarily agree on anything. But this on they do. That tells me that in their wisdom as "old growthers", they see something not quite right. Should we despise that wisdom? Should we ignore what they have to say?

Dan, would you be more specific than the Scroogian response (I think some people may think you were joking)? Fritz, what are some of the issues that we might need to consider beforehand? What do you both see that we need to improve especially in terms of balance of power?

Lord Q, Sir Ian? We have not yet heard from you yet.

Also, this bill does not have "equal support". Speaking as the CLP chairman, the leadership of the CLP has not officially endorsed or opposed this bill.

[Rajala]

I posted my thoughts on filling the throne late last night on Wittenberg. I find no reason to rush into crowning a Monarch. Due pause is in order.

[Deleted]

I could be wrong about this, perhaps I read things incorrectly. But I don't see the resolution setting a timeline. I suppose the reason I am pointing this out is because it seems there is a rather large divide between those who wish to wait before allowing a new monarch to ascend the throne and those who (are perceived to) want to get right to it.

The resolution to me, says that we know who is next in line, not that Talossa is rushing into anything. I think for the interests of political stability and preservation of the monarchy this declaration does its job quite well, it states who should become monarch. This is the type of thing that should be preventing a coup, not causing dissension.

But, as I said, I could be wrong.

[Nic Casálmac'h]

As somebody pointed out before (I forget who and where) after the abdication nobody was talking about what was to happen with electing a new king. This act however has started a wonderful controversal discussion, which seems to me very helpful.

I'm disagreeing with the rush

Due pause is in order.

Do you feel that there should be a period in which we merely refrain from speaking about the matter of king, pausing as it were in recognition of the abdication of King Louis I? Or do you merely think it is not time yet to elect a king and that this should be a period of discussion and thought about the matter?

In the latter case this Act has served to begin that discussion and has shown the opinions of a portion of the citizenry. It also gives all a chance to consider the matter. I would say rather than rushing matters though it will compel all to begin considering the matter seriously, rather than putting it off. In the end this may insure that the matter is better considered than it would otherwise be.

-Nic Casálmac'h, MC

[Joel Wood]

I agree with Nic and fail to see how engaging in active debate is rushing into anything. Perhaps it only seems so fast to some because those who would covet the throne have not had the opportunity to maneuver effectively and mount an effective rebuttal? If this is the case I have every faith that anyone who desires the throne will have plenty of time for politics and backroom deals.** In the meantime some (not all) of this talk of patience smacks of something other than caution or prudence...

If I know anything about Sir John Woolley I can say that he would never accept the throne unless he felt that every formality and function, every procedure and protocol had been equitably satisfied. That is to say I do not believe the issue of "rushing" anything is valid given the measure of the particular man we are discussing.

This is an historic occasion and what we talk about, how we talk about it and for how long we talk is obviously (as in "Hello Captain Obvious" kind of obviously) going to have some bearing on the outcome. Given every precedent I have seen here in regards to important matters I trust the Kingdom will not act rashly.

**(An hour or so later...) Interestingly I just saw these same words ("politics" and "back room deals" specifically) on Sir Fritz' thread so I am not the only person who sees behavior that is slightly less than transparent as being possible... I mean honestly, at this juncture and especially after Lord Hooligan's proposal, how does one get elected while simultaneously making it seem as though getting elected is the last thing you desire?? (and please, PLEASE do not tell me that there aren't some of you out there who wouldn't LOVE to be the King... I can just hear everyone rushing to declare their lack of interest now...)

If anyone else is going to be offered as a viable alternative to Lord Hooligan's choice, and we are to avoid the cloak and dagger politics, one of two things are going to have happen as I see it. Either someone, or a small group of someones, is going to have to stand up and say "Citizen So and So is my Champion and I present them as my choice for election" (a number of us have already done this for Sir John) or, I firmly believe the person or persons (if there are any) who desire(s) the throne should openly and honestly say so without fear of reprisal or being scorned for having ambition. After they have announced their desire they should immediately remove themeselves from the debate. I see this as the only honorable, noble and Talossan thing to do. If a citizen examines their heart and desires the throne for any reason, I believe conscience and good faith should compel them to declare this and remove themselves from the discussion as the Woolley's have done. Anything less would be be poor form.

[Ián B. Anglatzarâ]

You could also appoint a commission to first find out what you want the future monarchy to look like, and then to find candidates, to avoid the whole hullaballoo.

Just my 2 (very unofficial - of course!) bens.